STARKVILLE, Miss., - At 4:15 p.m. on Wednesday, a private plane carrying the new Mississippi State arrived at the Bryan Air Field in Starkville.

After a short delay, former Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen emerged to an ovation of cowbells from the estimated 75 fans on hand and putting to an end the speculation surrounding the search for the next Bulldog head coach.

"I'm thrilled, I'm so excited to be here," Mullen said just moments after stepping off the plane. "This is an unbelievable opportunity. I think we have an opportunity to have a unbelievable program. We're going to get on the road recruiting right away; get those players in here from the state. We're going to try and control this state in recruiting as best we can right now, and get it cranked up and put a great team on the field next year."

Mullen said he made his decision early Wednesday morning to become the 32nd football coach in school history.

"I didn't sleep a whole lot last night, woke up this morning and didn't need to think about it," Mullen said. "I had a big smile on my face, excited, ready to go and couldn't wait to get out here and can't wait to get started."

Mullen took a few moments to brave the cold and spitting rain to greet the fans and speak with the media gathered on hand for his arrival.